BRICK WORKS

A 1920s brick warehouse pays homage to its rich and evocative past 

- CARROL BAKER

This unique historic home is steeped in history. Its walls retain hallowed resonances of the past, but with touches of innovation and modern amenity, it's a poignant mix of old and new.

The undisturbed façade hides the modern renovation. The house was originally a warehouse built by Australian architect Harry A Norris, who was known for designing Melbourne's Nicholas Building and also Art Deco buildings.

Clare Cousins from Clare Cousins Architects says the design challenge was indeed a paradox of epic proportions: "To introduce the obligatory domestic program while preserving the warehouse scale of the interior and memories of its past," she says.

Honouring the past, and preserving its beauty with buildings like this, serves to add vigour and life to the present. This story really began more than a century ago, in the roaring '20s when motor vehicles were becoming more commonplace, department stores opened, and trams were ferrying locals around. Industry was on the rise and brick warehouses were needed to support growing commercial industries.